Last update Oct. 30, 2023

Mupirocin

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Mupirocin is an antibacterial used topically as an ointment or cream on the skin to treat impetigo and skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

At the time of the last update, we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

The small dose and no or negligible plasma absorption through the skin (AEMPS 2007, Pappa 1990), added to its high binding to plasma proteins and moderately high molecular weight, make the passage of significant amounts into breast milk unlikely. 

One infant whose mother was treated for mastitis with mupirocin at the breast twice daily (in addition to intravenous teicoplanin and ceftriaxone) did not present any problems.(Kaplan 2017)

Although it has good absorption via the intestinal route, it is rapidly and completely metabolized to monic acid, an inactive metabolite (AEMPS 2007). Even so, it is advisable to remove with a gauze before breastfeeding if it has been applied on the nipple. 

It is not more effective than pure lanolin in the control of nipple cracks or sore nipples (Dennis 2012). It is less effective than oral antibiotherapy in treating golden staphylococcal teat infection (Livingstone 1999) and is not effective in preventing mastitis. (Crepinsek 2020)

Creams, gels and other locally applied products containing kerosene (mineral oil) should be avoided on the nipple so that the infant does not absorb it. (Concin 2008, Noti 2003)

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Mupirocin since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Mupirocin is also known as


Mupirocin in other languages or writings:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Mupirocin in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 100 (topical: 0.3) %
Molecular weight 501 (Mup.Ca: 1.075) daltons
Protein Binding 95 %
pKa 4.83 -
0.3 - 0.6 hours

References

  1. Crepinsek MA, Taylor EA, Michener K, Stewart F. Interventions for preventing mastitis after childbirth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Sep 29;9:CD007239. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Kaplan YC, Keskin-Arslan E, Acar S, Erol-Coskun H. Teicoplanin Use During Breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. 2017 Mar;12:124. Abstract
  3. Dennis CL, Schottle N, Hodnett E, McQueen K. An all-purpose nipple ointment versus lanolin in treating painful damaged nipples in breastfeeding women: a randomized controlled trial. Breastfeed Med. 2012 Dec;7(6):473-9. Abstract
  4. Concin N, Hofstetter G, Plattner B, Tomovski C, Fiselier K, Gerritzen K, Fessler S, Windbichler G, Zeimet A, Ulmer H, Siegl H, Rieger K, Concin H, Grob K. Mineral oil paraffins in human body fat and milk. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Abstract
  5. AEMPS. Mupirocina. Ficha técnica. 2007 Full text (in our servers)
  6. Noti A, Grob K, Biedermann M, Deiss U, Brüschweiler BJ. Exposure of babies to C15-C45 mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003 Abstract
  7. Livingstone V, Stringer LJ. The treatment of Staphyloccocus aureus infected sore nipples: a randomized comparative study. J Hum Lact. 1999 Abstract
  8. Pappa KA. The clinical development of mupirocin. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1990 May;22(5 Pt 1):873-9. Review. Abstract

Total visits

130,971

Help us improve this entry

How to cite this entry

Do you need more information or did not found what you were looking for?

   Write us at elactancia.org@gmail.com

e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine - 2015 of United States of America

Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM